Hockey skills training system and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A hockey skills training system comprising a foldable high density polymer game board surface; a pair of nested goals disposed on one side of the shooting surface; a handle attached to the shooting surface; and at least one puck; and at least one puck shooting device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present non-provisional application claims priority to provisional patent application 62/126,060, filed Feb. 27, 2015.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Art

The present invention relates generally to athletic training devices and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a physical game and method of playing the game whereby athletic, specifically hockey, skills are developed.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The ability to pass a hockey puck to another player so that it flies through the air like a frisbie over opposing players while still landing flat on the ice for a teammate to control is a very useful hockey skill. This type of pass is usually executed when a defensive player tries to get his/her stick in between an offensive player with the puck and the offensive player's teammate across ice.

To execute this type of pass, a player “opens” the blade of his/her hockey stick (like a golf wedge) so that the puck is positioned at the heel of the blade. With a very slight wrist action, the puck is swept across the blade to drive the puck into the air. Developing a good pass technique requires a lot of practice, and the present invention is a useful aid in developing this skill.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a hockey skills training system, said system comprising a hard low friction polymer surface; a net frame disposed at one end of said surface, said net frame comprising a semi-rigid arch member extending across the end of said surface; a second net frame, said second net frame disposed across the end of said surface within said first net frame netting disposed over said first net frame and said second net frame a handle attached to said high density surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a hockey skills training, said system comprising: a high density polymer shooting surface; a pair of nested goals disposed at one end of said surface; removable attached netting attached to each goal; a handle attached to said shooting surface; at least one puck; and at least one puck shooting device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of playing a hockey skills training game said method comprising the steps of providing a pair of game boards; placing each one of said game boards a predetermined distance apart from one another; placing a plurality of pucks on one game board; providing a pair of teams, each team comprising at least one player; placing a team at each board; alternating turns between each team to allow at least one member of each team to shoot at least one puck towards the opposing net on said opposing board; and keeping track of the number of successful attempts by each team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a system arranged to perform the method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of game pieces for use with the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the system of the present invention adapted for transport.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a method of using the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.

Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring first to FIG. 1, hockey skills training system 1000 comprises of at least one playing surface/game board 100. Each board 100 is preferably 24″×42″ with machined sockets for placement of nested goals 200 and 300 at one end. Both goals 200 and 300 are made of steel and covered with marine grade vinyl trim encapsulating ¾″ high tenacity polypropelene (“HTPP”) square industrial grade netting. Board 100 comprises a hard low friction surface such as high density polyethlene (“HDPE”) surface attached with 30 zinc plated countersunk screws to an extruded aluminum channel frame with HDPE plastic gussets in each corner. The aluminum channel has an annodized finish to protect the unit from rusting.

Large goal 200 is 23½ wide by 12″ high and is disposed at one end of board 100. The small goal 300 is 5″ high by 9″ wide and is nested within large goal 200. Goals 200 and 300 are fixedly attached to one end of board 100.

The posts of goals 200 and 300 are made of steel and the netting is an industrial grade ¾″ high tenacity polypropylene (“HTPP”) knotless net. The design of each goal is such that one simply picks up the back of each net to retrieve pucks for each turn. Steel piping holds the netting snug to the ground containing even hard passes. Small net 300 is designed to create a pocket for high scoring shots within the game. Each goal 200 and 300 fits onto the board at one end, and the netting is attached via velcro to the frame to create a pocket. The posts for each goal 200 and 300 are made of steel, and the netting is an industrial grade ¾″ HTPP knotless net. Pucks 400 may comprise a soft vinyl puck. Standard a harder puck can be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, hockey skills training system 1000 comprises two boards 100 with goals 200 and 300 handle 500, and pucks 400 (FIG. 3). In one exemplary embodiment, a first board 100 is used as a “shooting pad.” Board 100 comprises a plastic shooting surface preferably made of a High Grade High Density Polyethylene (“HDPE”).

The method of the present invention comprises arranging two boards 100 preferably 24 feet apart as shown in FIG. 2. The distance is measured from the front of one board 100 to the front of another board 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other distances may be used. A game is played preferably with two teams. Each team preferably comprises two players with three pucks 400 of a distinguished color for each team. One player from each team takes position on opposing boards 100 and all pucks 400 are started from one side.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the foul line is defined as the front of the board. A player shall not cross the foul line before the puck is released. Violation will result in no points for the foul puck, and the puck is to be removed from play before any more pucks are sauced. Pucks already on the board that have been knocked off the board by a foul puck will be returned to the same location on the board. Additionally, pucks that are on the board, but are knocked into the net by a foul puck must be returned to their original location on the board.

Pucks that bounce off the ground and come to rest on the board or in the net, do not count, and shall be removed from play before any more pucks are sauced. Again, if other pucks are contacted, the same rules as above apply. Pucks that come to rest on the board, but are hanging over the board and touching the ground or grass, do not count, and shall be removed from play before any more pucks are passed.

The team listed on top in the tournament bracket shall begin play first. Each player throws all four pucks by alternating tosses with the opposing player. The round is complete after all eight pucks are “sauced.” The points are awarded as follows: 3 points for each puck made in the small net. 1 point for each puck made in the large net.

A puck must go completely in the net to count for 3 points. Any puck(s) that is partially in the net and partially on the board counts as 1 point. The score for each round is determined by each team combining their points for all pucks in the net with all pucks on the board. The team with the higher total subtracts the opposing team's points and earns the points of the difference between the two totals. The team with the lower total does not earn any points for the round. The team that scores more points for the round goes first in the next round. If there is a tie, the team that went first in the previous round shall go first in the next round. No movements or actions that cause distractions to opposing players are allowed. A tournament official shall resolve any discrepancies or rulings that cannot be resolved mutually between two teams. The winner is declared once a team reaches or exceeds 21 points after the completion of a round.

The boards of the present invention work best on a flat surface. Make sure each board is stable and not rocking during play. It is best if each board is kept dry, clean, with minimum exposure to UV. Each board 100 is preferably foldable for convenience transport as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications, or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood, therefore, that the above description is of an exemplary embodiment of the invention and included for illustrative purposes only. The description of the exemplary embodiment is not meant to be limiting of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the field of the invention or the relevant technical art will understand that variations of the invention are included within the scope of the claims. 

1. A playing surface for a hockey skills training system, said playing surface comprising a hard low friction polymer surface; a first goal disposed at one end of said surface, said first goal comprising a semi-rigid arch member extending across the end of said surface; second goal, said second goal disposed across the end of said surface and nested within said first goal.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface is foldable.
 3. A system for hockey skills training, said system comprising: a high density polymer game board; a pair of nested goals disposed at one end of said surface; removable attached netting attached to each goal; a handle attached to said shooting surface; at least one puck; and at least one puck shooting device.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the game board is foldable.
 5. A method of playing a hockey skills training game, said method comprising the steps of: providing a pair of game boards; placing each one of said game boards a predetermined distance apart from one another; placing a plurality of pucks on one game board; providing a pair of teams, each team comprising at least one player; placing a team at each board; alternating turns between each team to allow at least one member of each team to shoot at least one puck towards the opposing net on said opposing board; and keeping track of the number of successful attempts by each team. 